By Here are essential products for any interior paint project

Town Crier Report

A fresh coat of paint is the most inexpensive way to “remodel” a room. But, as with all remodeling projects, the key to success is preparation. To make the project easier, professional painters recommend a few “must-haves.”

All-purpose caulk

Joints should always be reinforced to prevent cracking by using a paintable, mildew-resistant all-purpose caulk. Water-based sealants have the added ease of soap and water clean up.

Five-in-one

Open paint cans, clean rollers, scrape peeling paint, remove old caulk, open cracks and apply putty with this one handy tool.

Patching products

To repair nail holes and chipped paint before painting, use a paintable, fast-drying, shrink-free patching compound. For holes in woodwork, use an epoxy.

Sandpaper or sanding blocks

Sanding is necessary to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere. A durable aluminum oxide, A-weight paper with 100- to 150-grit, is suitable for most general-purpose sanding applications.

Masking tape

Use masking tape to cover woodwork or hardware. Many brands are designed for delicate surfaces such as wallpaper and drywall. They feature a low-tack adhesive to allow easy removal without damaging the surface.

Drop cloths

Protecting floors from grit, sawdust, caulk and paint spills is necessary on any job. Cloth drops are more expensive, but they work best, especially over carpets. There are also statically treated, pre-taped drop cloths that feature a pre-taped edge of professional-grade masking tape.

Paint brushes and rollers

Use a1-inch to 2-inch high-quality, nylon or polyester, angled brush because it can be used with all coatings, holds paint well and provides better brush control where detail is necessary.

Rollers should be selected based on the type of paint being applied. For a semigloss or gloss paint or for washable enamel, use a 3/8-inch nap, shed-resistant roller cover. For flat paints, choose a roller with a 1/2-inch-nap that’s labeled “For Flat Paints.”

Interior latex paint

For most indoor applications, a latex interior paint is the key since it is formulated to be washable, stain- and splatter-resistant and is easy to touch-up. Latex paints are easy to work with, dry quickly and are extremely durable.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com